June 17, 2026

At just one year old, Scout, a bright-eyed Miniature Dachshund with a soft spot for chicken, was facing a condition that, left untreated, would have cut his life dramatically short.  After a minimally invasive procedure with our cardiology team, he’s back home, running, snuggling, and looking for snacks like nothing ever happened.  A heart problem from day one Scout was diagnosed with a patent ductus arteriosus, or PDA which is a congenital defect where a small blood vessel that should naturally close shortly after birth stays open. The result is abnormal blood flow between the heart’s two main arteries, putting extra strain on the heart muscle and, over the first couple of years of life, leading to heart failure. In Scout’s case, the strain was already taking its toll. Echocardiography showed marked enlargement of his left atrium and ventricle, early signs that his heart was working much harder than it should. Without intervention, his prognosis was poor. A precise, minimally invasive fix Under the care of cardiologist Dr Keaton Morgan, Scout underwent transcatheter PDA occlusion, a procedure performed through a small access point in his femoral artery, with no open-chest surgery required. A specialised device called an Amplatz Canine Duct Occluder (ACDO) was guided into position using live fluoroscopic imaging and placed inside the abnormal vessel to seal it shut. The result was the best one possible: complete closure of the PDA with no residual blood flow, confirmed on follow-up echocardiography. Scout’s heart beginning to return to a more normal size was already apparent with early signs of reverse remodelling. The minimally invasive method for placing an ACDO device is the most rewarding cardiac surgery I perform. The small incision in the leg is barely noticed by the patient and the rapid, complete occlusion (blocking) once the device is placed is satisfying for everyone; dog and doctor alike! Scouts rapid recovery was great to see and is the expectation for this procedure. Dr Morgan https://www.vsahospital.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PDA_5.mp4 Home with a healthier heart Scout recovered beautifully, with plenty of cuddles (and chicken) from the nursing team along the way. He’s now back home with an owner who, not long ago, was bracing for very different news.  A case like Scout’s depends on tight teamwork, cardiology, imaging, anaesthesia, and nursing all playing their part.  It’s also a reminder of what advanced interventional cardiology can do: turning a condition that would once have been life-limiting into the beginning of a long, happy dog life. We were recommended to take Scout up to Massey Vet Services, where they did all the checks and then gave us the options. To invest the time and money for Scout’s benefit was a no‑brainer for us, as he is such an important part of our family. From the initial phone conversation with the specialist at VSA, to meeting the team and seeing how welcoming they were, and then the care they showed for Scout, plus the follow‑up post‑operation call to put me at ease, to picking him back up when he was discharged… I could just see the love he was surrounded by, from people who genuinely cared for him. When I picked him up, he was like a new dog, with blood flowing freely again. He is a well‑loved member of our family. A massive thanks to the whole VSA team. – Marty, Scout’s owner Getting a referral To access our cardiology service, speak to your local vet, who can refer you to VSA. For more information, visit the cardiology services page or contact the team on 09 320 5645. Read more news Click Here Read more cases Click Here Our services Find out more